Alonzo F Herndon Research Paper

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INTRODUCTION One of the many nationalities in America that have made stellar achievements are African-Americans. Some citizens have overcome obstacles, and will always be in the history books. Sadly, many examples of greatness go unrecognized. One of the hidden figures in African-American history is Alonzo F. Herndon. He was the founder of the Atlanta Life Insurance Company. (Statistic) Mr. Herndon was one of the first African-American millionaires in the United States. (Statistic) Today, I am going to talk about Alonzo F. Herndon: his childhood, businesses, philanthropy, and final years in life. CHILDHOOD BIRTH (1858) HOMETOWN FAMILY LIFE TRANSITION: Mr. Herndon was born on June 26, 1858 in Walton County, Georgia. He was a sharecropper …show more content…

Herndon gave to local charities, and institutions. They were the Young Men’s Christian Association, Atlanta University, the First Congregational Church, the Southview Cemetery, and the Atlanta State Savings Bank. He was one of the members of the Niagara Movement led by W.E.B. DuBois. These charities would honor him in his final years, and for the rest of his lifetime. IV. FINAL YEARS DEATH IMPACT ON ATLANTA’S CITIZENS HERNDON HOME (VISUAL AID) TRANSITION: At age 69, Mr. Herndon died on July 21, 1927. Several of Atlanta’s citizens were impacted by his work, and life. Black Enterprise Magazine ranked his company as one of the top financial companies that has survived in the 21st century. Prior to Mr. Herndon’s death, he built a house with his second wife in 1910. It is referred to as the Herndon home. (Definition) Today, it is registered as a National Historic Place, and tourists can view the home. (Statistic) CONCLUSION Overall, Mr. Herndon was an amazing person. (Topic) He overcame poverty, and built one of the biggest companies in the country. It seemed like a plan was not in motion, but God prepared him with a purpose in life. Colossians 1:9 says, “We continually ask to fill God to fill you with the knowledge of his will through all the wisdom and understanding that the Spirit gives,” (New International

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